January 26, 2018
(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today offered condolences to the family and friends of mother, sister, wife, Elder and Leader, Mrs. Doris McLean, who passed away peacefully in Whitehorse, Yukon, earlier this week.
“On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Mrs. Doris McLean as you gather to honour and celebrate her life,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “Elder McLean spent so much of her time serving her family, and serving all her people in the important and essential role of Clan Matriarch. She will be remembered for her many contributions to our people, to her nation and to the advancement of Modern Agreements in the Yukon that uphold First Nations rights. We offer thoughts and prayers to all who knew her.”
AFN Yukon Regional Chief Kluane Adamek stated: “Mrs. McLean was not only an inspiration, she was for me a dear friend. She was an incredibly experienced yet humble leader. She is a positive role model for Indigenous women and young people in Canada and around the globe. Her dedication and commitment to sharing her culture, sharing stories and bringing awareness to issues impacting our communities is commendable and will act as a legacy for the Yukon and beyond.”
A member of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, McLean was one of the first females to represent her nation as Chief serving from 1988 to 1992. She had many notable achievements both in politics and art – she was a dancer who started the Skookum Jim/Keish Tlingit dance group in the 1970s. She went on to become the first Indigenous person to serve as Sergeant-at-Arms for the Yukon Legislative Assembly. Following a courageous battle with cancer, Mrs. McLean passed away this month in Whitehorse, Yukon. Services for the late Elder and former Chief of Carcross/Tagish First Nation will be held Saturday January 27 in Carcross, Yukon.
The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.
―30―
For media requests or more information, please contact:
Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary – National Chief’s Office
343-540-6179 (cell)
[email protected]
Jenna Young Castro
AFN Communications Officer
613-241-6789 ext 201
613-314-8157 (cell) or [email protected]